Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

WEDNESDAY EVENING POST - DECEMBER 16, 2009

Hey All!  Happy  Hump Day to all of you!  Hope this Wednesday evening finds you safe, warm, and well!

I have some fun, FUN stuff to share with you that I found during my blog adventures this week.  I found the cutest card I think I have ever seen, and I had to do one of my own.  It turned out so well that I ended up mass producing them to send out to several people.  I can't wait to share it with you so let's get to it!

When I see a card that is done with mostly punched or die cut images on them, I usually am not that excited over it.  I think to myself, "that's cute, but where's the stamping??? Anybody can die cut or punch out shapes. . ."  Gosh, just typing that makes me feel like such a snob!  But when I saw this card I just went nuts over it.  Here is my version:



Punched polar bears!!  Are they not adorable?!?  I sure think so.  The card is 5 X 7.  This card incorporates several techniques that I don't use often.  Punching shaped animals, ripping paper and then sponging it, and distressing.  These bears are made from my Nesties circles and ovals die sets.  The snowflake background paper is by The Paper Studio and the card stock is by Bazzill.  I paper tore the two "snow banks" and then sponged the torn edges with a light blue ink by Colorbox.    All edges of the pieces of the bears were distressed with the edge of my scissors to give a fuzzy look and to help distinguish each piece of the bear from the other (because everything is white).  The sentiment is from a Martha Stewart clear stamp set.  I also outlined each ripped edge of the "snow bank" with glitter.  The eyes and the nose are punched out with a standard paper hole punch and I used white ink to add highlights.  I also added a black Rain Dot to each of the noses to give it a shiny look.  Here is a close up shot:




EDITED TO ADD:  I inadvertently gave the wrong link when linking to the person who actually came up with the polar bear idea!  I'm so sorry Laura. . I went to the blog I listed to get the link to your blog and ended up using the wrong link!  What a Dork I am!  The link has now been corrected.  You can go here to see the person who came up with this great idea HERE.  You can also go see a video tutorial HERE.

My next card to share with you is a HM card.  I made it for a general Winter card.  Take a look:



I LOVE this image.  It reminds me of sledding when I was a kid.  I colored this with my ccp/oms and used liquid appliqué which I then glittered.  The sky was actually colored this time with my colored pencils and oms.  This is a large image.  The card is 5 X 7 so you can see it is pretty big.  There wasn't much room for embellishments or a sentiment.  Here is a close up of the snow and glitter:



My third and final card to share with you tonight is another Christmas card that I am making several of because it turned out really cute and easy to make.  Take a look:



Isn't this a cute image.  I've not seen this around on SCS or other places.  I picked it up at Archiver's yesterday and used it right away.  The stamp is by Northwood Stamps.  It was fast and easy to color, and I used my liquid appliqué to add the "fluffy" to the clothing items.  I matted it with black cut with my long scalloped rectangle Nesties.  I made the belt out of a black strip of card stock and gold card stock for the buckle.  The sentiment is actually a cheap foam stamp which I stamped with Versamark and then embossed with gold.  This is an A2 size card.

Last on my agenda for this evening's post is to show you the light box that I put together.  I think the photos for this post look much better because of it.   Here is what it looks like as I'm photographing the above card:



LOL  So professional huh???  I took a box and lined the inside with white paper on the bottom and the sides.  As you can see on the back, I just use a 12 X 12 piece of printed paper and can swap it out based on the subject of my card so that I have coordinated backgrounds!  The light fixture on the top is is a clip on lamp that has a silver reflective collar around it.  The other two are just can lights.  I prop them up on stuff to get the best light angle for the photo.  The white paper inside the box seems to do a great job in bouncing the light back onto the card.  It might not look pretty, but it has made a great difference with the light quality of the photos for my blog without natural light.  So I thought I would share this with you all to show you that I no longer have to stand on my head for the shot!  LOL

That's it kiddos!  I've had a great time visiting your blogs these past few days.  You guys have done some amazing work!  You are all such inspirations to me.  I hope in some small way I am giving some of that inspiration back to you in my posts.  I sure hope so.

My next post will be Monday's HM challenge.  I can't wait till you see it.  It is so hard not to be able to show it until Monday, but I have to follow the rules!  LOL  So I'll see you then.  Thanks for stopping by and for the wonderful comments you all leave.  You guys are wonderful!  Don't forget the pick of the week below!

Best,

Curt O'Brien

"God, please help me be the person that my dogs think I am."

43 comments:

The Rubber Maid said...

All three cards are just adorable. Love those polar bears and what a great way to create them. Very cute cute cute! Pat
Hey I'm # 1 on the comments...how did that happen?

Lori Barnett said...

Get outta here!!!! Those punch bears are to DIE FOR!!! Love the other cards too. And about your new gig for taking pics of your cards. You are WAY MORE professional than me. I just take 2 pieces of white cardstock...prop 1 up with my pencil cup...shove it under my desk lamp...and take the pic. 3 lamps is just WAY too much for me to deal with! But your pics turned out super good...so I would stick with it ;)

Patti J said...

Dude! What a great lighting gizmo you have created!!! You rock, my friend! Your cards are wonderful, as usual! LOVE those punched bears, and OMG, your HM are just havin' so much fun! I can almost hear them squeeling with glee! Great work! Can't WAIT to see your Monday post!!!

Patti J said...

And...I LOVE your picture of the week!!!!

Dawnll said...

Oh you are just such a hoot! I am loving all your cards.How sweet of you to share where you got your inspiration.I am loving your light set up, mine looks sort of similiar but I use foam board and an ott light and another lamp.Crazy isn't what we go through to get pictures? Enjoyed your post very much.

Jackie said...

Love the cards! My favorite is the polar bears, they are just adorable. I like how you accentuated the edges with distressing. See, a punched card can be creative :-). Looks like you got a fair amount of snow up there and the boys are sure enjoying it. No need to go by my blog just yet, nothing has changed lately. I hope to post photos of the cards I have received either tomorrow or the next day. Maybe I can even get my own Christmas cards finished, photographed and posted - before Christmas!

scrapperjulia said...

The polar bear card is awesome! I love the look of this, very creative! I also love the House Mouse card. They are having fun in the snow again, great winter cards!

Jean McKenzie said...

Curt, I love all three cards but especially the punched polar bears - love your ideas there with the shiny eyes and noses - how cute!!
What a great picture of the week. I have never seen snow in real such as this and it fascinates me to think that the dogs will actually lie in it?? Isn't it just too cold for them? Love his whiskery face all covered with snow!

Lorraine A said...

Gorgeous cards Curt :-)I love the Polar bear one ,, I have never seen anything like that ! What a fabulous idea ! ;-) The HM are having a wonderful time eh ! What fun !! and the Santa's clothes on the line are v funny ;-),, perfect sentiment !! :-)
Love the pic of the week ;-) he looks as tho he's enjoying the snow ! brrr :-)
Luv
Lols x x

oohh ,, off to make a light box today !! wonder if it will improve my photo's ?? hmmm !!

Sue said...

Hi Curt
three stunning cards as always, luv the polar bear how clever n cute is that, i never seem to make a good card with die cuts i have a few but dont use them much, only me nessties.
Of course i luv the HM card i have just got a Christmas one bit late for this year i know! lol. Luv the santas clothes on the line,looks brill. Great light box never think to get mine out to put my cards in!!
Look forward to seeing your HM card, take care, hugs sue,xx

Becky said...

wow.. you sure do stay busy. I just love these polor bears, they are just gorgeous. And those mice are having a ball,love how you did the snow and the santa outfit on the line is simply adorable, I have never seen anything like it, love how you did this buckle. Last but not lest, love your picture of the week, your babies are just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the light box.

A Consuming Passion said...

Hi Curt! Love all three cards - especially the Polar Bears!
Way to go with the light box - I need one of those!!! do you use ordinary light bulbs or try for Day light ones?
What a cute pic looks like 'the boss' was having a great time.
Have a Happy Christmas.

Diane said...

Love those Polar Bears...so cute...great idea to distress the edges....I am an addicted to die cut girl....sorry have to admit it....but once you start you just can't quitbut love my stamps, too! The HM are fantastic...love those little guys.....the santa laundry made me smile...but hey where ae his long johns...lol...just kidding.....light box is a great idea, I would be embarrassed to show MY contraption ....heehee...can't wait to see the HM on Monday!!
The snow pic is great.....I love it!!!

Jane Wetzel said...

ALL these cards are totally cute! Cant help but love the HM image!! tfs!

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Great cards and I just love the polar bears...so adorable! Thanks for visiting my blog too...I see you are going to get some Polar White Flowersoft...you will LOVE it!!! I have terrible lighting in my house so I plan on trying to make a lightbox as well and getting the hubby to scrounge up some extra lights maybe in the workshop for me! I also noticed in your craft room you have the set of Whispers inks...I have the same set...LOL! Was wondering how do you like them??

Take care!
-Stacie

Angela S. said...

Curt, all three of these cards are just gorgeous!! Can't wait to see what you have to show Monday! Love you photo box setup!! Very creative!
Hugs,
Angela

Kimberly S said...

Such a busy guy you are with your projects! The polar bears are so wonderfully sweet, and such a fun idea. Love the DP you used on the Polar Bears and the HM cuties too. You are just too funny about the lightbox! Being able to change out the background in is really a fabulous idea!

Sweet puppy in the snow....burrrr! He still looks completely oblivious to how cold it is! :)

Lesley F said...

Love all the cards but the bears are way too cute!

Gina Wrona said...

Hi Curt,

MMMMMMMMMM where to begin, EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! I just love those adorable polar bears and the HM in the snow makes it look so real as if they are climbing up the hill. I love that believe card too especially the buckle, reminds me of the santa suit card I made one year.

Thanks for all you do and you truly are an inspiration & motivation for me especially when I feel like a lost sheep.

Kindest Regards,
Gina

stampinfrog said...

Curt all three cards are so cute!Love how you created the polar bears...Fantastic...The HM image is so adorable and they look like they are having a blast...It is amazing when you can find a new image that you haven't seen on SCS...An early Christmas miracle and it is so cute with santa clothes hanging on a line!
Hugs,Connie

Jan McConnell said...

Curt, never a disappointment when visiting you!! Love all your cards and your lighting system is great. Nothing new on my blog. Hoping to get something on there today or tomorrow.

dpkennedy said...

All of your cards are adorable, as always, but I really love your polar bears! So cute! Great idea for the kids...I might have to steal that! Have a wonderful day!

Anonymous said...

LOVE THOSE CUTE POLAR BEARS, AND YOU CAN FEEL THE JOY OF THOSE MICE SLEDDING. MY FAVORITE IS THE SANTA CLOTHESLINE...I LOVE IT. BY THE WAY, WHERE IS MY OTHER GRAND DOG? LOVE YA, MOM

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

You always WOW me, Curt :)
Adorable cards!

When you have a moment, can you please email me -
MeScrap@Rocketmail.com

Thanks so much! ~ margie

America said...

YOU ARE A BLAST!!!!! Love coming here for your beautiful work and awesome extras. And your lighting is much better and way more professional than mine. :) Big HUGS my Friend!!

christina d said...

All of your cards are so cute. But those mousies sledding are the cutest!! Your pic is neat, where did your other boy go??

craftimamma said...

Brilliant post Curt! I love all the cards and those polar bear are so cute and clever.

I think the little sledging 'meeces' are my favourites though.

Thanks for the info on your light box. I think I might try setting something like that up after the Christmas festivities are over.

Lesley Xx

mudmaven said...

Incredible stuff you are sharing with us this week! Love all of it. Thanks too for the great pix of your photo setup. I have asked Santa for a new camera for Christmas and since I've been good (mostly anyway), I'm hoping to see one under the tree. I've got some great ideas seeing your set up - thanks - as always for sharing. Best to Jay and the boys. ~chris

Christine said...

Hiya Curt cute cards or wot you betcha ya..& the lite well to clever for me...about the message re images from Mary I left the message on the HM site under her post so if you got it then Mr Blogger is a clever so & so.

Teamie Christine xx

lisa808 said...

Curt, your punched polar bears are so sweet. The House Mouse sledders are darling. And, yes, it also reminds me of sledding when I was young. The 'Santa' card is way cute! I can see why you got home and inked up that image right away.

Sue from Oregon said...

Love each of your cards...the HM cuz I love them all, the punch polar bear is darn cute...I love punched cards and that Northwood stamp is to die for! TFS!

Ila said...

Beautiful cards Curt!! I love them all!!!...the polar bears are Super Cute..and the details on the other cards are Amazing!! Wonderful light box you created too!!..your photos are Fabulous!!..Love the Snow Doggie photo below too!!...Happy Holidays!!..Hugs, ila

Scossie Jane said...

The polar bears are way too cute Curt - love them. Your other cards are stunning as always and I love the light box. I must be doing something wrong, I just stand my card on a table aim and shoot, must have a critical look at my photo's.... xx

Sharon Caudle said...

Oh my gosh, those polar bears are too cute for words!!! Love your card, Curt!!! And the adorable HM stamp is just too cute and your coloring always rocks!!!! That Santa card is soooo FUN!!! I love it!!! Fabulous job on the light box, hun!!! I want to make me one of those one of these days. Hope you're enjoying the holiday season my friend! And you have no idea how much inspiration you provide!! You're awesome and so very talented and I just LOVE coming here to check up on what you've been creating! Have a wonderful weekend! hugs!

Laura Lipe, Pisgah Forest, NC said...

Hi, Cufrt. I just saw your comments on my blog and jumped over to your blog to see your work. You have done some GREAT things, including my little polar bears. I noticed you linked to Lynn and Heather's blogs but not to mine. I wish you'd add mime since I was the ORIGINAL creator of these little fellows. I am totally flattered to see how many people are making them on their blogs and all the comments by folks who LOVE them. Gratifying, but it would be nice to have my link there, too. Thanks!!

You are right, you and I do have alot in common--our dog breeds, our love of photography and one more you didn't know about. You are/were an HR director and I was a Civil rights director before I retired--very similar and definitely limked in the workplace!! I love the pictures of your dogs. I just posted some new pictures of Gabby in the snow, so check out my blog again today. I'm going to follow your blog now and see all your delightful work!! Smiles, Laura

Nilla said...

Fabulous cards and technique! Love them all! Have a great weekend! Hugs Nilla

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Hi Curt!
Your polar bears are adorable - I see why you fell for them!! It's healthy for us to try different styles now and then - we gain a new appreciation for them.

I love the sledding card (so happy and busy) but the santa's clothing one just tickles me! It's so cute!

Thanks for sharing how you set up for photographs. I need to create a little "photo" corner and leave it up. I've been trying to set up when I want to take photos and that's really quite a hassle! Enjoy your weekend!

Hugs!

Anonymous said...

GREAT cards Curt and I can see why you massed produced the bears, too cute! Have a very merry Christmas my friend!

DeeDee said...

OMG! Somehow the other day while I was visiting your blog...I missed this post and then yesterday I received the most wonderful polar bear card in the mail from YOU! So I had to come back this morning and see if you showed this card and how to make it! OMG! I love it Curt! It's much better in real life (but arnt they always LOL) THANK YOU my sweet friend for always remembering ME and thank you for being so darned SWEET! MERRY CHRISTMAS! HUGS & Smoochies!

Shirley said...

Wow! First, I am in love with your bears. I want to CASE this. Second your other cards are lovely, cute and bring a smile for sure. Last,TFS about your lighting. Your stamp area is way too neat. If you saw ming right now you might get ill. LOLOLOL

Anonymous said...

Your cards are absolutely amazing!!! So glad I stumbled upon your blog!!! Your stamping/scraping area is fantastic as well!!! If only I could be so organized and neat, lol!!! I will be visiting often to check out all of your new creations and can't wait to see what you make next!!! Have a wonderful and safe New Years!!!

Nina said...

Curt, one thing I truly love about you is that you are so honest!! tee hee about being a snob about punching animals and where's the stamping!! I LOVE to punch things! I must say these bears and this card is super duper cute, although I must say I loved my santa clothes line card as well though! just wonderful!!

Nina said...

and OH, I SOOO need a light box!! I seen where someone placed a piece of what appears to be just glass under the card and gives a reflection, I thought it looked pretty! :O) just another thought and different look you might try! maybe I will bring all my work over and we can have a photoshoot! :O)